Dog Breed
German Shorthaired Pointer

- Full Name
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Alternate Names
- Pointer
- Your PupScore
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- Life Span
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight
- 45 - 70 pounds
- Description
German Shorthaired Pointers are friendly, smart, and bold creatures. They are known for their versatile nature as they can adapt very well. Their will to please their family comes from their affectionate, intelligent, and cooperative nature as they are easy to train. They are the perfect mix of a hard-working hunting/gundog and best-friend in one. It is no surprise they are frequently in the top 10 most popular breeds in the US.
- Origin
- Germany
- Bred For
- General hunting
- Family Considerations
- Child Friendly
- Stranger Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Likes to Cuddle
- Playfulness
- Service Dog Ability
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Ease for Novice
- Training Potential
- Amount of Shedding
- Ease of Grooming
- Exercise Need
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Amount of Barking
- Guard Dog Ability
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Good for Apartment Living
- Size
- Tolerates Heat
- Tolerates Cold
- Potential to Run Away
- Physical Characteristics
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Amount of Drooling
- Prey Drive
- Athleticism
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer good with children? Nearly all dogs enjoy playing with small children, but some can play too rough, or be a bit careless. In some cases dogs can get jealous of small children, or try and "herd" them due to their natural instincts.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer friendly with strangers? Getting a dog that is friendly with people really depends on what your lifestyle is. Dogs who are more cautious with strangers oftentimes make good guard dogs, which can be a great fit for some owners. If you are social, live in the city, or frequently have guests over, you may want to consider getting a stranger friendly dog.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer friendly with other dogs? Of course this is particularly important if you already have another dog at home. However, it's an important factor to consider as well if you plan on frequently going to the dog park. Otherwise, even a dog who is not automatically friendly with other dogs can be an excellent fit, as they can still be affectionate with their human family.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer like to cuddle? All dogs want love, but they have different boundaries when it comes to physical affection. If you plan on frequently having a dog on your lap or pushed up against you, then you should consider whether this breed enjoys that.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer like to play? All puppies are playful, but as adults certain dogs are more playful. If you have children, or otherwise want to keep your dog active with plenty of play, there are plenty of options of breeds who will be happy to play all day.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer make a good service dog? When looking to train a service dog it's important to consider how they were historically bred, and if their personality makes a good fit. A service dog must be smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner. Working dogs are a good fits since service dog 'work' gives them a feeling of accomplishment from doing a job.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer good for first time owners? Dogs that are good for first time owners are ones who are easy to train, and are eager to please their owner. Very large dogs, or dogs with very high energy may also not be the best for first time owners since it adds a layer of complexity.
How well can the German Shorthaired Pointer be trained? This rating is about the training potential of the German Shorthaired Pointer. Dogs with high training potential oftentimes are good service dogs, police dogs, and dog show competition dogs. This does not necessarily mean they are the easiest to train, since many will be very intelligent and demanding.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer shed a lot?
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer easy to groom?
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer need a lot of exercise?
How smart is the German Shorthaired Pointer?
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer bark? Does the German Shorthaired Pointer bark too much? It depends on your lifestyle, and where you live. Dogs use barking to communicate, keep guard, and alert. A strong bark can be a good characteristic for guard dogs, or flock guardian dogs who need to be vocal.In apartment living you should consider getting a dog who is less vocal.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer a good guard dog?
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer good at staying alone? Is the German Shorthaired Pointer independent?
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer a good apartment dog? Can the German Shorthaired Pointer live in an apartment without becoming frustrated or destructive? Typically people immediately consider the size of the dog, but energy level and historical habitat are also factors.
How big is the German Shorthaired Pointer?
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer try to run away? Some dogs have natural wanderlust and are escape artists... they will do everything to get out and explore.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer a healthy dog? The general health of a German Shorthaired Pointer should be measured not just by how many years they live, but how often they have health issues during their lives. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
How energetic is the German Shorthaired Pointer? Is the German Shorthaired Pointer too energetic for your lifestyle?
How much does the German Shorthaired Pointer drool?
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer have a large prey drive? Does the German Shorthaired Pointer like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals? Prey drive can be bothersome at the park, but really an issue at home if you have small animals, since this comes as a natural instinct for dogs with high prey drive, to chase cats, birds, etc.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer atheltic? Is the German Shorthaired Pointer fast and strong?
Breed Variations
Liver and White
Liver and White Ticked
Liver Roan
Black and White Ticked
Liver
- Sporting
- Pointer
- German Shorthaired Pointer
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